Total Page Views

72902

Rookie / New Member FAQ's

Where do I buy a car?

You will need to own your own car. You can order a new car from a Quarter Midget Chassis Builder or buy a used car. There are great used cars, parts and equipment on the club website under ‘Classifieds’, Facebook groups such as “Quarter Midget Classifieds – Northeast”, Craigslist, Racing Junk, etc. Contacting current members is always a great place to start as well. Both cars and safety equipment are required to race.

Rookies are exempt from the tire rules, and can run whatever tires they wish. Once graduated from rookie and in competitive classes, tire rule per Section 703-F of USAC Appendix I – Technical Specs, will apply.

There is no fuel rule for rookies, however motor builders recommend 89 octane pump gas. Once in a competitive class, 89 octane pump gas either from the spec station or track fuel purchased at the track will be required.

How do I join the club?

Visit www.ocqmc.com/registration There are 2 registrations required. One is for USAC, one is for OCQMC. Payments can be made online through Paypal or you can print out the registrations and mail in with a Check. You DO NOT have to wait for your USAC Member ID Numbers to join OCQMC.

Why do I have to join USAC?

Our track is sanctioned by USAC and abides by USAC’s rules. Your USAC registration allows you access to race at any USAC sanctioned track.

OCQMC is a non-profit, self-run organization. Members are expected to help in concession stand, tower, maintain track, etc. Each member is expected to contribute to the general operation of the club. Without this help, there is no club. Members are put in a rotating schedule for concession and tower duties. More members = less work…. so promote the club!

How do I setup my car?

Ask any member for a baseline setup, contact your chassis builder, or head to http://kb.fmiracing.com/

I don’t know how my kid will do, can I try it first?

Absolutely! OCQMC hosts a “Promo Day” or “Arrive-n-drive”, each year. By signing a waiver, and paying a small fee, your child will be fitted into a quarter midget and allowed to run test laps around the OCQMC track.

What motor do I run?

Rookies at the OCQMC run the Honda GX 120 motor, per USAC specs/rules.

What class/division will my kid start in?

Kids 4 1/2 are eligible to attend rookie training and practice on the track but just not race until they turn 5. Kids ages 5 and up are eligible to race competitively. There are two levels of Rookies. All kids regardless of age must start with a Red restrictor plate. Once they have completed the Red Rookie requirements they move up to a Blue Rookie class with a Blue restrictor plate before being allowed to race in a Competitive class.

1. The Rookie program is divided into two phases:

a. The initial Red Rookie phase is intended to orient the child with safety, communication and racing procedures so that they understand what is expected of them before they enter the track, while on the track and leaving the track. The training is outlined in Section 3702. When Red Rookies have displayed their understanding of these basics, they move to phase two of the Rookie training.

b. The secondary Blue Rookie phase is to obtain experience in racing with others at a faster speed and to gain confidence in the car and their abilities.

2. There is no age differentiation between Red and Blue Rookies, as all ages must pass through each phase.

4. A Rookie driver must participate in at least three events before graduating to a competitive class. One of these three events must be in the Red Rookie class. (Section 3705-B)

What is a typical race day like?

The track is open for practice as soon as all safety gear is on the track.

Sign-in’s typically are from 9am to 10am

Controlled practice starts at 10am. Each class receives 2 minutes of track time. This doesn’t seem like a lot, but at 6 to 8 seconds per lap, that’s an average of about 18 laps. This provides you the data you need to make any adjustments you might see fit. i.e.) gear changes, setup changes.

Once controlled practice is over, a brief driver/handler meeting is held in the hot chute (track entrance) to go over club related items such as upcoming events, racing related items, reminders, club activities, etc.

Heat and Feature races follow the driver/handler meeting.

When can I practice?

If you are current on your memberships (USAC and OCQMC), and are in good standing with the club, you will be given a key to the gate, and are allowed to practice any time you wish. Please remember to get a fire extinguisher from the tech shed and place it by the track while you practice, and sign the practice sheet in the tech shed.

What number will my car be?

In quarter midget racing, we use paper numbers that are taped to the left side of the car, and both sides of the tailcone. Numbers are supplied by the track, and are available in the tower. Your number will more than likely change each race. See OCQMC rulebook for further info. Heat starting positions are based on handicap of last 3 races. Feature race starting positions are based on heat finish position.